People lift their hands in prayer during the invocation at the election party for Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Lee at the Factory in Franklin, Tenn. on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018. Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

Tennessee Gov.-elect Bill Lee celebrates his victory with supporters during an election party Nov. 6, 2018, at the Factory in Franklin. The longtime businessman has to figure out what he’ll do with Lee Company, the Franklin-based HVAC, electrical and plumbing business his grandfather founded in 1944 — and where Lee went to work in 1981. Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

Robert Payne is decked out in red, white and blue at the election night watch party for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Marsha Blackburn Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, in Franklin, Tenn. George Walker IV / The Tennessean

Mary Neil and her husband Findlay of Nashville cheer as election results come in during the election party for Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Lee at the Factory in Franklin, Tenn. on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018. Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

The line at Antioch High School stretches all the way down the hall, estimated to be an 1.5-hour wait at 6:49 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, according to poll worker Mitzy Johnson, who hasnÕt seen a line this long since the last presidential election. Mariah Timms / The Tennessean

Joyce Jennette takes a photo of her husband, Tony, of Pegrom, at the election party for Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Lee at the Factory in Franklin, Tenn. on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018. Joynce Jennette said she went to middle school with Bill Lee. Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

Jy'Zayiah Davis, 9, of Knoxville, wears "I Voted" Tennessee stickers on his face while at Fair Garden Elementary School while his mom votes on Election Day in Knoxville, Tennessee on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Voters were voting for Tennessee's next governor, U.S. senator, congressional representatives and dozens of state lawmakers. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Madison County Election volunteers show some voters how to use the machines before stepping away for voters to cast their ballots in the 2018 midterm elections, Tuesday, November 6. KENNETH CUMMINGS/The Jackson Sun

Dan Chappell wears red white and blue glasses while waiting in line at the Shelby Park Community Center in Nashville on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018. "It's fun to get in the spirit," Chappell said. Mike Clark / For The Tennessesan

Bill Huff of Franklin celebrates his son, Brandon Huff,19, voting for the first time with a photo at the Westhaven Clubhouse polling location in Franklin, Tenn. on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018. Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

Gubernatorial candidate Karl Dean, right, shakes hands with James Sutton, 9, as father Bo Sutton, left, watches, outside of Bearden High School on Election Day in Knoxville on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel

A sign reminding voters to have their photo identification is placed on the table as voters enter to cast their ballots in the 2018 midterm elections, Tuesday, November 6. KENNETH CUMMINGS/The Jackson Sun

A sign reminding voters to have their photo identification is placed on the table as voters enter to cast their ballots in the 2018 midterm elections, Tuesday, November 6. KENNETH CUMMINGS/The Jackson Sun

John Smith looks over a sample ballot while waiting in line at the Shelby Park Community Center in Nashville on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018. Smith said he recently moved to the area so he wanted to familiarize himself with the amendment proposals before voting. Mike Clark / For The Tennessesan

Dan Chappell and Laura Chappell talk to River Chappell, 3 months, while waiting in line at the Shelby Park Community Center polling place in Nashville on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018. Mike Clark / For The Tennessesan

Nakia Scott, of Knoxville, shares a laugh with Joanne Dixon after voting at Fair Garden Elementary School on Election Day in Knoxville, Tennessee on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Voters were voting for Tennessee's next governor, U.S. senator, congressional representatives and dozens of state lawmakers. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Dave Mohr, 31, and Nicole Mohr, 26, stop to fill out an exit poll survey after voting at the Williamson County Recreation Center on Tuesday. We love voting," Dave Mohr said with a smile. "We vote every chance we get." Added Nicole Mohr: "We always try to get all our friends to register, too. "Yeah, we are those people," Dave Mohr said. Jessica Bliss / The Tennessean

A voter casts their ballot at Fair Garden Elementary School on Election Day in Knoxville, Tennessee on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Voters were voting for Tennessee's next governor, U.S. senator, congressional representatives and dozens of state lawmakers. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Voters check in to vote at Fair Garden Elementary School on Election Day in Knoxville, Tennessee on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Voters were voting for Tennessee's next governor, U.S. senator, congressional representatives and dozens of state lawmakers. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

For much of Tennessee's U.S. Senate race — throughout the summer and into the fall — Bredesen led in most of the polls.

Then in late September, there was a seismic shift in the race, and everything came together all at once for Blackburn.

There was a barrage of television ads targeting Bredesen after the Blackburn campaign and a long list of outside groups had held off from airing ads before the primary. It was the "death by 10,000 cuts" that Blackburn strategist Ward Baker famously previewed in the summer.

It took a toll.

But more damaging for Bredesen — and advantageous for Blackburn — was the nationalization of the race led by divisive wedge issues pushed by President Donald Trump.

For months, Bredesen was able to localize the campaign and remind voters of the centrist brand that made him a popular two-term governor.

But then came the contentious U.S. Supreme Court confirmation fight over Justice Brett Kavanaugh, which galvanized Republicans. Later, Blackburn followed Trump's lead by campaigning on stopping the caravan of Central American migrants moving through Mexico and toward the United States.

Both issues hardened the partisan stripes of many Republicans who may have considered voting for Bredesen.

Blackburn seized control and Bredesen quickly faded.

Heading into the election, Democrats thought they could capitalize on a revolt against President Donald Trump. But a backlash never happened, and in the final weeks, Trump's approval ratings actually soared in Tennessee to 56 percent in some polls as these issues took center stage.

Trump made his third visit to Tennessee to back Blackburn on Sunday, just two days before the election.

The Democratic brand remains abysmal in most of Tennessee

Tennessee Democrats fielded their best candidates for governor and U.S. Senate in a dozen years. And what did they get in return?

A blowout loss by nearly 20 percentage points in the race for governor and a not-quite-as-bad loss of around 10 points for U.S. Senate.

Not even Bredesen, the last Democrat to have any statewide office in Tennessee, could turn around the party's statewide fortunes, particularly in rural counties.

Bredesen won many of these rural counties, particularly in Middle and West Tennessee, during his 2002 gubernatorial election victory over Republican Van Hilleary. He won all of the state's 95 counties in his 2006 re-election.

And yet this time, when it came to Bredesen's race for U.S. Senate, Blackburn won many of these same counties with more than 70 percent of the vote.

Bredesen, known as an independent and moderate during his time as governor, was the same person in this race as he was in the 2000s, campaigning on the same centrist message as a decade ago.

But it's not 2006 anymore, and the state's politics have changed dramatically.

This year he faced the power of Trump in what can certainly be called Trump country.

Referendum on Trump sealed the deal for Blackburn

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President Donald Trump greets U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn during a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Trump supporters cheer for him during a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Garrett Bourg, 10, or Rome, Ga. poses like President Trump before a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and Rep. Marsha Blackburn greet the crowd as they descend from Air Force One at Wilson Air Center at the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Saul Young/News Sentinel

President Donald Trump salutes the guards at his motorcade as he descends from Air Force One with Rep. Marsha Blackburn and Vice President Mike Pence at Wilson Air Center at the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Saul Young/News Sentinel

Michael Symonette, of Miami walks around greeting other Trump supporters before a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMeking/News Sentinel

Vice President Mike Pence greets the crowd during a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Former Governor Phil Bredesen takes a photo with Menia Richardson, of Chattanooga, during an "Doing Better Together" Interfaith Lunch at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Former Governor Phil Bredesen, candidate for U.S. Senate, hosted the event to discuss the future of Tennessee and America. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Leah Fain and her husband, Joseph, protest with their two daughters ahead of President Donald J. Trump's "Make America Great Again" rally at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

A young Trump supporter watches during a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Former Governor Phil Bredesen speaks during an "Doing Better Together" Interfaith Lunch at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Former Governor Phil Bredesen, candidate for U.S. Senate, hosted the event to discuss the future of Tennessee and America. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Donald Trump supporters sit in the arena before a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Vice President Mike Pence greets the crowd during a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Former Governor Phil Bredesen speaks during an "Doing Better Together" Interfaith Lunch at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Former Governor Phil Bredesen, candidate for U.S. Senate, hosted the event to discuss the future of Tennessee and America. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Trump supporters at the front of the line wait before a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Karen Schooley of Murphy, N.C. stands at the front of the line before a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

University of Tennessee Chattanooga students march towards a protest before a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Saul Young/News Sentinel NFS

Former Governor Phil Bredesen speaks with the media during an "Doing Better Together" Interfaith Lunch at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Former Governor Phil Bredesen, candidate for U.S. Senate, hosted the event to discuss the future of Tennessee and America. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Donald Trump supporters wait before a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Donald Trump supporters wait before a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Bredesen supporters wait in line during an "Doing Better Together" Interfaith Lunch at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Former Governor Phil Bredesen, candidate for U.S. Senate, hosted the event to discuss the future of Tennessee and America. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Zech Austin, of Nashville holds up Trump paraphernalia before a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Former Governor Phil Bredesen walks on stage during an "Doing Better Together" Interfaith Lunch at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Former Governor Phil Bredesen, candidate for U.S. Senate, hosted the event to discuss the future of Tennessee and America. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Donald Trump supporters sit in the arena before a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Attendees and supporters arrive during an "Doing Better Together" Interfaith Lunch at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Former Governor Phil Bredesen, candidate for U.S. Senate, hosted the event to discuss the future of Tennessee and America. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Former Governor Phil Bredesen greets supporters during an "Doing Better Together" Interfaith Lunch at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Former Governor Phil Bredesen, candidate for U.S. Senate, hosted the event to discuss the future of Tennessee and America. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

An attendee arrives during an "Doing Better Together" Interfaith Lunch at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Former Governor Phil Bredesen, candidate for U.S. Senate, hosted the event to discuss the future of Tennessee and America. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

President Trump supporters wait before a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Trump supporters pose for a photo before a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

A supporter claps during an "Doing Better Together" Interfaith Lunch at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Former Governor Phil Bredesen, candidate for U.S. Senate, hosted the event to discuss the future of Tennessee and America. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

An attendee closes her eyes during a prayer during an "Doing Better Together" Interfaith Lunch at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Former Governor Phil Bredesen, candidate for U.S. Senate, hosted the event to discuss the future of Tennessee and America. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Former Governor Phil Bredesen speaks with the media during an "Doing Better Together" Interfaith Lunch at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Former Governor Phil Bredesen, candidate for U.S. Senate, hosted the event to discuss the future of Tennessee and America. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Trump supporters stand in line before a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Saul Young/News Sentinel NFS

Attendees listen as former Governor Phil Bredesen speaks during an "Doing Better Together" Interfaith Lunch at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Former Governor Phil Bredesen, candidate for U.S. Senate, hosted the event to discuss the future of Tennessee and America. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Former Governor Phil Bredesen speaks during an "Doing Better Together" Interfaith Lunch at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Former Governor Phil Bredesen, candidate for U.S. Senate, hosted the event to discuss the future of Tennessee and America. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

A faith leader says a prayer during an "Doing Better Together" Interfaith Lunch at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Former Governor Phil Bredesen, candidate for U.S. Senate, hosted the event to discuss the future of Tennessee and America. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Trump paraphernalia is displayed outside of a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

A supporter becomes emotional during an "Doing Better Together" Interfaith Lunch at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Former Governor Phil Bredesen, candidate for U.S. Senate, hosted the event to discuss the future of Tennessee and America. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Former Governor Phil Bredesen chats with Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke during an "Doing Better Together" Interfaith Lunch at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Former Governor Phil Bredesen, candidate for U.S. Senate, hosted the event to discuss the future of Tennessee and America. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Trump supporters wait in line before a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Supporters find space at the back of the room during an "Doing Better Together" Interfaith Lunch at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Former Governor Phil Bredesen, candidate for U.S. Senate, hosted the event to discuss the future of Tennessee and America. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Former Governor Phil Bredesen speaks during an "Doing Better Together" Interfaith Lunch at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Former Governor Phil Bredesen, candidate for U.S. Senate, hosted the event to discuss the future of Tennessee and America. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

At left Terry Whitt of Ardmore, Tenn. wears a Marsha Blackburn shirt before a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Former Governor Phil Bredesen speaks with the media during an "Doing Better Together" Interfaith Lunch at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Former Governor Phil Bredesen, candidate for U.S. Senate, hosted the event to discuss the future of Tennessee and America. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Attendees mingle during an "Doing Better Together" Interfaith Lunch at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Former Governor Phil Bredesen, candidate for U.S. Senate, hosted the event to discuss the future of Tennessee and America. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Trump supporters look at the long line to enter a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Trump supporters stand in line before a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Protesters signs' sit on the ground before a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Trump supporters stand in line before a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Vice President Mike Pence and President Donald Trump stand on stage during a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Zeth Dishman, 13, and Jack Simmons, 11, both from Chattanooga, lean over a ledge for a better view ahead of President Donald J. Trump's "Make America Great Again" Rally at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Long lines form around the arena ahead of President Donald J. Trump's "Make America Great Again" Rally at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

A trump supporter smokes while in line before a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

A Trump supporter eats a donut before a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and Rep. Marsha Blackburn greet the crowd as they descend from Air Force One at Wilson Air Center at the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Saul Young/News Sentinel

Amanda Cagle, of Chattanooga, sings in protest with her accordion during President Donald J. Trump's "Make America Great Again" Rally at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

A young Donald Trump supporter listens during a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Trump supporters capture him on their phones during a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

A young Trump supporter gets a better view of her surroundings ahead of President Donald J. Trump's "Make America Great Again" Rally at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

U.S. Rep John J. Duncan Jr. sits in the stands before a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Trump supporters cheer for him during a Donald Trump rally in support of U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn for the U.S. Senate at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Blackburn's victory came as Republican U.S. Senate candidates won in red-leaning states across the country that Trump carried in 2016 including Florida, Texas, Missouri, Arizona and Indiana.

Trump won the Volunteer State by 26 points in 2016, and public polling showed his popularity increase here as he made his final case to voters.

Nationally, the midterms became an unmistakable referendum on the politics of Trump — and it was a referendum that Blackburn and other Republicans running in red states exploited to their advantage.

While campaigning, Blackburn closely aligned herself with the president, seizing on many of his issues, including building the wall along the southern border of the United States and most recently the caravan of Central American migrants.

“A vote for Marsha is really a vote for me,” Trump said during an October rally for Blackburn in Johnson City.

Although from the outset of the race, he said repeatedly, "I'm not running against Donald Trump" — and even sided with him on occasions —Bredesen ultimately failed to successfully connect with enough Trump voters who were skeptical of Blackburn to help him compete Tuesday.

Bredesen, trounced in rural counties, unable to make up difference in suburbs

The logical place for Bredesen to make up the wide rural margins would have been the state's suburbs — particularly the fast-growing suburbs of Middle Tennessee.

This was assuming Bredesen would win big in Davidson and Shelby counties, which he did.

Middle Tennessee counties such as Williamson, Rutherford and Wilson have historically been Republican strongholds. But these suburbs include many college-educated voters who have shown resistance to Trump on a national level.

In other parts of the country, suburbs represented areas where Democrats picked up seats in the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday.

But Bredesen appeared to make only a little headway in Tennessee among suburban voters.

Blackburn won Wilson County with 62 percent, Williamson County with 59 percent, Rutherford County with 53 percent and Montgomery County narrowly with 50 percent. These weren't as lopsided as his losses in rural parts of the state — but it wasn't enough.

In addition, Bredesen narrowly lost Knox County, home of Knoxville, and Hamilton County, home of Chattanooga.